Swim starting block with adjustable handle

ABSTRACT

A swim starting block has a handle attached thereto by means of a base in which the handle is pivotally mounted. The attached handle has both a vertical and horizontal component of position adjustment with respect to the block to accommodate the stance of a swimmer and support the swimmer while assuming a starting position for a swim race. The handle and its attaching base may be a portable assembly attachable to the block.

Kill 1 E0 .[19]

14 1 May 7, 1974 SWIM STARTING BLOCK WITH ADJUSTABLE HANDLE Edward F.Kral, Jr., 217 Wehrli Rd., Naperville, 111. 60540 22 Filed: 1811.4,19711211 Appl. Nos 103,468

[76] Inventor:

52 us. 01. 272/57 R, 272/1 B, 272/66 51 int. c1 A63!) 5/10 58 Field ofSearch 272/1 B, 57 R, 59 A, 71,

272/79 R, 60, 65, 66, 67, 68, 72, 73, 83; 35/29 B; 73/37938l [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,145,940 2/1939 Marlowe 272/722,251,120 7/1941 Davis 272/72 2,320,489 6/1943 Turner et.al...j....272/73 X 2,642,288 6/1953 Bell 272/79 R 2,921,791 1/1960 Borne 272/79 R3,112,928 12/1963 Oswald 272/71 3,285,070 11/1966 McDonoughm. 272/79 RUX 3,373,991 3/1968 Smalley 272/7l,

745,154 11/1903 Chlada 272/57 R 618,990 2/1899 Lubben 272/57 R 2,906,5329/1959 Echols 1 272/57 R 3,096,980 7/1963 Gauer 272/71 X FOREIGN PATENTSOR APPLICATIONS 2,003,598 11/1969 France 272/73 Primary ExaminerRichardC. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Richard J. Apley Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Fitch, Even, Tabin, & Luedeka [5 7] ABSTRACT A swim starting blockhas a handle attached thereto by means of a base in which the handle ispivotally mounted. The attached handle has both a vertical and 9horizontal component of position adjustment with respect to the block toaccommodate the stance of a swimmer and support the swimmer whileassuming a starting position for a swim race. The handle and itsattaching base may be a portable assembly attachable to the block.

5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures swim srxarruc BLOCK WITH ADJUSTABLE HANDLEThis invention relates generally to aids to swimming and moreparticularly concerns a swim starting block having an adjustable handle.A swim meet contestant undertakes a starting position preparatory toexecuting his diving entry into the water by mounting the swim startingblock and bending over the edge of the block toward the water. He holdsthis starting position until the discharge of the starting gun, at whichtime his motion is revitalized into the execution of his dive. Theposition held just prior to the discharge of the gun issomewhatunstable, and, if balance is lost, the swimmer, being unable tograsp-something for support, dives into the water. In the anxiety thataccompanies a race, this loss of balance may occur very easily andresult in false starts. Races are thereby delayed and emotions arefurther quickened. Although such is more probable with young,inexperienced swimmers, it may occur at all levels of experience.

A swimming coach who has the responsibility of teaching beginning racersthe art of executing a smooth, fast dive at the startof a race may helpthe beginner get the feel of a proper position preparatory to a racingdive by standing next to him and giving personal assistance. While doingthis, the coach is distracted from the general observance of otherswimmers, possibly to their disadvantage.

Further, it is believed'that many coaches, as well as others, areinterested in aids to assist swimmers in swimming faster races.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide apparatusto aid swimmers in eliminating false starts in swim meets.

. utilized, as illustrated in the outline form in FIG. 1,

It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus toaid coaches in teaching the racing start to beginning swim racers.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provideapparatus to aid swimmersin getting a faster start, thereby reducing theoverall time of a race.

These and other objects of the invention are more particularly setforthin the following detailed. description and in theaccompanyingdrawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a swim starting block with adjustable handleaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention along with anillustration in outline form of a swimmer in his starting positionof theblock gripping the adjustable handle for. support;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the swim starting block with adjustable handle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the swim starting block with a portableadjustable handle assembly attached thereto according to a secondembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of only the portable adjustable handleassembly and attaching means of FIG. 3.

A swim starting block has attached'to it, through appropriate means, ahandle for a swimmer tograsp while on the block. Simple adjustmentsaccommodate the handle to the swimmer. The handle may be an integralpart of the swim block as illustrated in the preferred.

embodiment of the invention, or it may comprise a portable assembly,adaptedfor attachment to various blocks not already having the handle,as illustrated in the second embodiment of the invention. The handle iswhere there is a swimmer 11 in a starting position on a swim startingblock 15 preparatory to executing a racing dive. To assist inmaintaining his position before the discharge of the starting gun, theswimmer grips the adjustable handle 17, having adjusted its positionwith respect to the block 15 by adjusting the angle of an arm 19 and theheight of a cross member 45 (FIG. 2) prior to his assuming the startingposition. At the discharge of the starting gun, theswimmer releases hisgrip of the handle 17 and executes his diving entry into the water.

More particularly, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, in the preferred embodimentthe adjustable handle assembly 13 has a base 21, which is generallyU-shaped. Base 21 comprises parallel sides 23 spaced apart by a closingmember 25, which aligns and joins the parallel sides to form a unit.Fastening means, such as angle mounting brackets 49, are utilized tosecurely attach base 21 to the underside of the platform 53 of the swimstarting block 15. The base may be of any suitable material, and may beformed of one piece from a mold, or may comprise separate pieces affixedto one another by suitable glue or cement. The dimensions of the base.are not critical. In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, thesides of the base are approximately 9 inches square and one-half of aninch thick. The space intermediate the two sides is approximatelythree-quarters of an inch; Each side 23 has transversely therethrough apivot pin hole 27; This hole is located near the base mounting edge 28at the approximate front-to-rear center of the sides 23. The pivot pin29 is long enough to span the outside surfaces of the sides 23. Thispivot pin is the lower attaching means of the arm 19. The pivot pin maybe of any suitable form, such as a threaded bolt having a head at oneend and a lock nut at the threaded end. Above the pivot pin hole 27 area plurality of lock pin holes 31, equally spaced along an arc of acircle of which the pivot pin 29 is center. The lock pin 33, which maybe any suitable T pin, is easily insertable in any one of the lock pinholes. Each side 23 has lock pin holes matched with the opposing side sothat when the lock pin 33 is inserted through a selected hole from oneside, it is inserted also in a hole on the other side: corresponding tothe first hole. A single hole (not shown) near the proximal end of thearm 19 and a second single hole not shown) through the arm 119 at aspaced apart distance from thefirst hole equal to the radius of thecircle of which the pivot pin 29 is the center are both transverse tothe longitudinal axis of the arm 19. All of these holes are clearanceholes for their respective pins to permit the pins to be easily insertedtherethrough. Consecutive numerals or other suitable indicia, oneadjacent each lock pin hole 31, are provided to specifically identifyeach hole so that'a swimmer'may quickly adjust the support prior to arace by knowing from previous experience the position best suited forhim. For this reason, uniformity in the apparatus is important.

The arm .19, attached to the base 21 by the pivot pin 29 extendsupwardly through the slot 51 of the platform 53 (FIG. 2). The arm 19 hasa circular cross section and at the distal end thereof has alongitudinal passage therethrough to accept the insertion of thevertical member 42 of the handle 17 into internal engagement therewith,the vertical member 42 also being of circular cross section. It isnecessary, of course, that the outside diameter of the vertical member42 be less than the inside diameterof the longitudinal passage at thedistal end of arm 19. The vertical member 42 should engage the arm 19with a snug, but not binding, fit. The outside surface of the distal endof the arm 19 is threaded for the operation of a tighteningmeansthereon, such as the lock nut 43. This lock nut when tightenedholds a selected position of the handle 17. Suitable indicia 44 fordetermining height of the cross member 45 of the handle 17 with respectto the distal end of the arm 19 is on the outside surface of thevertical member 42 of the handle 17. In the preferred embodiment, thelength of the vertical member 42 and the arm 19 conjointly is such as tolocate the cross member 45 of the handle 17 approximately 36 inchesabove the platform 53 of the swim starting block 15. The arm 19 must beshort enough and the vertical member 42 long enough to allow adjustmentto accommodate swimmers of various heights. The telescoping action ofvertical member 42 in the arm 19 and held in a given position by thelock nut 43 is similar to that of a conventional microphone stand. Othermeans of the handle 17 height adjustment may be used, such as transverseholes spaced apart from each other adjacent the lower end of thevertical member 42 of the handle 17 with a removable pin through thedistal end of the arm 19 to hold the selected position of handle 17.Once the swimmer has selected the appropriate angle of the arm 19, hasinserted the T pin 33 in the appropriate lock pin hole 31, and hasadjusted. the height of the handle 17, he grasps the cross member .45 ofthe handle 17 at the grips 47, located at either end of the crossmember. In the'preferre'd embodiment, the grips 47 are spaced apart theapproximate width of a mans body. These grips may be common rubber orplastic handle bar grips as used on bicycles, lawn mowers and the like.The arm 19, vertical member 42, and cross member 45, may be of tubularconstruction to help reduce the overall weight of the handle assembly13. Although the preferred embodiment illustrates these three parts ashaving a circular cross section, their cross section could be in anotherform, such as rectangular or oval.

Because it is believed desirable for existing swim starting blocks alsoto incorporate an adjustable handle so that there is no need to purchasenew blocks to obtain the handle, a second embodiment of the presentinvention includes a swim starting block having a portable adjustablehandle assembly attached to it. The portable adjustable handle assemblycomprises the adjustable handle assembly 13, described earlier, withmeans for attaching the assembly to various swim starting blocks. FIG. 3illustrates this embodiment of the present invention. The portableadjustable handle assembly 14 thereshown includes the adjustable handleassembly 13 having the side mounting straps 37 and the back mountingstrap 38 attached to the base 21. Each of these straps has attached atthe free end thereof a clamp 39 having a means, such as a thumb screw40, for binding the clamp to an object. The portable handle assemblyv 14is attached by means of the straps and the clamps to the platform 53 ofthe swim starting block 15(Adjustment buckles 41, one in each mountingstrap, are used to take up the slack and secure the base 21 to the swimstarting block 15. A more detailed view of the portable adjustablehandle assembly can be seen in FIG. 4.

It is recognized that not all swim starting blocks are constructed of aplatform having legs and acessible platform edges as illustrated in FIG.3. Some swim starting blocks may be shell-type having open bottoms and asolid top and sides of plastic, wood, or other material. One of thepossible ways of accommodating the portable assembly 14 to such blocksis to provide mounting straps long enough for the clamps 39 to hookaround the bottom edges of the sides. Another of the possible ways ofaccommodating the portable assembly 14 to such blocks is to cut slots inthe sides through which the clamps 39 can fit. The thumb screws 40 canbe tightened from the inside of the blocks in either instance by accessthereto through the open bottoms of the shell-type blocks. Once theassembly is securely attached, the starting blocks can be anchored at apools edge in the normal manner for a swim meet. The handle l7adjustment is accomplished independently from the means for attachingthe portableassembly to the swim starting block. Therefore, once theportable assembly is attached to the swim starting block, the mountingof the assembly need not be disturbed for the remainder of the meet. 9

To assist in uniformly positioning the portable adjustable handleassembly 14 when attaching it to the swim starting block 15, apermanently attached locating guide 35 is provided on the front (poolside) of base 21. This locating guide permits a quick installation ofthe portable assembly 14 on the swim starting block 15 (FIG. 3) withoutthe need for a separate measuring stick to determine the proper positionof the portable assembly 14 with respect to the pool edge of the swimstarting block 15, which is used as a reference. In this way, eventhough the portable assembly is attached from time to time to blockshaving platform dimensions varying from one another, the attachedposition of the portable assembly will be uniform with respect to theedge of the block used by the swimmer.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the flexibility given theportable assembly 14 by its features allows a quick and easyinstallation of the portable assembly on various swim starting blocks inthe fulfillment of the second embodiment of the present invention.

When a swimmer grips the adjustable handle 17 of the swim starting block15 having the portable adjust-,

able handle assembly 14 attached thereto as illustrated in FIG. 3, aforce is exerted which tends to rotate base 21 in a counterclockwisemanner around corner A, lifting corner B from the swim starting block.For this reason, the back strap 38 is attached to the closing mem ber 25at the rear and top of the base 21. When the clamp 39 associated withthe back strap 38 is clamped to the rear of the swim starting block 15and the strap is tightened by means of its buckle 41, a counter force atB stabilizes the base 21 against the force exerted by the swimmer.

It will be seen that movement of the arm 19 is in a singleplane lyingintermediate of and parallel to the inner surfaces of sides 23. Aswimmer can quickly pull lock pin 33 and reposition arm 19 to an anglemore suitable for his purpose. He also may easily and quickly adjust theheight of handle 17 at lock nut 43. Since the portable adjustable handleassembly 14 is adaptable for uniform application to various swimstarting blocks, a swimmer may learn the angular position and heightwhich he needs and easily make the appropriate adjustment at an awayswimming pool. Therefore, between slightly modified so that the angle ofthe arm 19 for a given lock pin hole, which a swimmer becomes used to,will place the handle at approximately the same relative position oneither type of block.

Although two embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it is recognized that the present invention may take the formof other embodiments. For example, other means for attaching andadjusting the handle 17 to the swim starting block may be used, such asthe platform 53 having a plurality of holes at differing anglestherethrough along a section of a front-to-rear center line thereof.Each hole could have subtending thereto a tubular member. When the arm19, or the like, would be inserted in a given hole, the arm 19 would besupported at-the angle of the given hole and its tubular member. Stillanother possible means of support and adjustment of handle 17 is forcross member. 45 to be V-shaped or U-shaped and be attached in a movablemanner at the distal end of an upright standard attached as anintegralpart, or otherwise, of the swim starting block 15. Adjustment of handle17 would then be similar to that of a handle bar adjustment on abicycle.

When a swimmer assumes the position illustrated in FIG. 1, it can beseen that he is able to bend over the edge of the starting block and yetmaintain his balance and hold his position by grasping the adjustablehandle 17 at the grips 47. Hence, the aid in eliminating a false racingstart. Eliminating individual false starts tends to equalize the startfor all swimmers, in a given race. Since he is already in a forwardposition, at the discharge of the starting gun it is only necessary forthe swimmer to push off from that position, eliminating the time spentin swinging his arms rearward in preparation for a forward dive. Hence,the aid in getting a faster start, tending to reduce the total time of arace. Because beginning swim racers have something to grasp while on thestarting blocks, a coach can give instructions from the side of the poolto more than one at a time. Hence, the aid to coaches in teaching theracing start to beginning swim racers. Thus, it is believed that theswim block with adjustable handle is a benefit to the sport of swimmingas a whole.

It is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with thepresent invention, a swim starting block with adjustable handle-thatfully satisfies the objects,

aims and advantages set forth above. Although the invention has beendescribed in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it isevident that alternatives, modifications and variations other than thosementioned will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of theforegoing description. Accordingly, it is hereby intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

Various of the features of the invention-are set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is: I

l. Apparatusto support a swimmer in a starting position on a swimstarting block for a swim race, comprising: a portable handle assemblyfor said swimmer to grasp and means for removably attaching said handleassembly to said block so that when said handle assembly is so attachedthe position of said handle is adjustable with respect to said block toaccommodate said swimmer for support in said starting position on saidblock; said attaching means comprising an arm, means for engaging saidhandle with one end of said arm so that said handle is adjustable withrespect to said arm, and means for attaching the other end of said armto said swim starting block; said means for engaging said handle withone end of said arm further comprising a longitudinal passage throughsaid arm at said end thereof, a handle having two members joiningvatsubstantially right angles to each other, one of said membersdimensioned to permit insertion thereof snugly in said longitudinalpassage in a telescoping manner so that said handle is movable inrelation to said arm and the other of said members having a grip oneither end thereof for said swimmer, and means for tightening to hold aselected position of said handle with respect to said arm; and saidmeans for attaching the other end of said arm to said swim startingblock further including a base comprising a pair of spaced apartparallel sides having a plurality of spaced apart holes transverselytherethrough, the holes in one side aligned with the holes in theopposing side when said sides are, aligned, and an enclosing memberaligning and joining said sides forming a unit, said arm being pivotallyattached intermediate of and movable in a single plane parallel to saidsides to a selected angular position and held in said angular positionby a pin spanning said sides through any of said spaced apart holes andthrough an opening in said arm transversely of said arm, and said basealso having a plurality of straps attached to said base for attachingsaid base to said starting block, each of said straps having means foradjusting and securing the length thereof and a clamping means on thefree end thereof for engaging said starting block, whereby said handleand said means for attaching said handle are removably attachable tosaid swim starting block.

2. Apparatus for supporting a swimmer in a starting position for a swimrace, comprising:

a swim startingblock to undergird the swimmer in assuming the startingposition;

a handle for the swimmer .to grasp;

and means for attaching said handle to said block so that the positionof said handle is adjustable both horizontally and vertically withrespect to said block to accommodate the swimmer for support in thestarting position on said block; said handle attaching means comprisinga base having a pair of spaced apart parallel sides, the sides having aplurality of spaced apart holes transversely therethrough, the holes inone side corresponding to and being aligned with the holes in theopposing side when the sides are aligned, and an enclosing memberaligning and joining said sides forming a unit; said handle attachingmeans further comprising means for attaching said base to said swimstarting block, an arm pivotally attached to said base intermediate ofand movable in a single plane parallel to the sides of said base, meansfor engaging said handle with the distal end of said arm so that saidhandle is movable in relation to said arm, and

a pin spanning said sides through any given aligned pair of said spacedapart holes in said opposing sides and through an opening in said armtransversely of said arm intermediate said sides for determining andholding said arm in a selected angular position with respect to saidswim starting block.

3. The apparatus asrecited in claim 2 wherein said means for attachingsaid base to said starting block comprises a plurality of strapsattached to said base,

- each of said straps having means for adjusting and securing the lengththereof and a clamping means on the free end thereof for engaging saidstarting block, whereby said handle and said means for attaching saidhandle are portable and removably attachable to said swim startingblock.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said means for engagingsaid handle with the distal end of said arm comprises an arm having alongitudinal passage therethrough at the distal end thereof; a handlehaving two members joining at substantially right angles to each other,one of said members being dimensioned to permit insertion thereof snuglyin said longitudinal passage in a telescoping manner so that said handleis movable in relation to said arm and the other of said membershaving agrip on either end thereof for said swimmer; and means for tightening tohold a selected position of said handle with respect to said arm; andsaid means for attaching said base to said starting block comprisesfastening means to couple said base to said starting block, whereby saidhandle and said means for attaching said handle are integrated with saidswim starting block as a unit.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said means for engagingsaid handle with the distal end of said arm comprises an arm having alongitudinal passage therethrough at the distal end thereof; a handlehaving two-members joining at substantially right angles to each other,one of said members being dimensioned to permit insertion thereof snuglyin said longitudinal passage in a telescoping manner so that said handleis movable in relation to said arm and the other of said members havinga grip on either end thereof for said swimmer; and means for tighteningto hold'a selected position of said handle with respect to said arm; andsaid means for attaching said base to said starting block comprises aplurality of straps attached to said base, each of said straps having ameans for adjusting and securing the length thereof and a clamping meanson the free end thereof for engaging said starting block, whereby saidhandle and said means for attaching said handle are portable andremovably attachable to said swim starting block.

1. Apparatus to support a swimmer in a starting position on a swimstarting block for a swim race, comprising: a portable handle assemblyfor said swimmer to grasp and means for removably attaching said handleassembly to said block so that when said handle assembly is so attachedthe position of said handle is adjustable with respect to said block toaccommodate said swimmer for support in said starting position on saidblock; said attaching means comprising an arm, means for engaging saidhandle with one end of said arm so that said handle is adjustable withrespect to said arm, and means for attaching the other end of said armto said swim starting block; said means for engaging said handle withone end of said arm further comprising a longitudinal passage throughsaid arm at said end thereof, a handle having two members joining atsubstantially right angles to each other, one of said membersdimensioned to permit insertion thereof snugly in said longitudinalpassage in a telescoping manner so that said handle is movable inrelation to said arm and the other of said members having a grip oneither end thereof for said swimmer, and means for tightening to hold aselected position of said handle with respect to said arm; and saidmeans for attaching the other end of said arm to said swim startingblock further including a base comprising a pair of spaced apartparallel sides having a plurality of spaced apart holes transverselytherethrough, the holes in one side aligned with the holes in theopposing side when said sides are aligned, and an enclosing memberaligning and joining said sides forming a unit, said arm being pivotallyattached intermediate of and movable in a single plane parallel to saidsides to a selected angular position and held in said angular positionby a pin spanning said sides through any of said spaced apart holes andthrough an opening in said arm transversely of said arm, and said basealso having a plurality of straps attached to said base for attachingsaid base to said starting block, each of said straps having means foradjusting and securing the length thereof and a clamping means on thefree end thereof for engaging said starting block, whereby said handleand said means for attaching said handle are removably attachable tosaid swim starting block.
 2. Apparatus for supporting a swimmer in astarting position for a swim race, comprising: a swim starting block toundergird the swimmer in assuming the starting position; a handle forthe swimmer to grasp; and means for attaching said handle to said blockso that the position of said handle is adjustable both horizontally andvertically with respect to said block to accommodate the swimmer forsupport in the starting position on said block; said handle attachingmeans comprising a base having a pair of spaced apart parallel sides,the sides having a plurality of spaced apart holes transverselytherethrough, the holes in one side corresponding to and being alignedwith the holes in the opposing side when the sides are aligned, and anenclosing member aligning and joining said sides forming a unit; saidhandle attaching means further comprising means for attaching said baseto said swim starting block, an arm pivotally attached to said baseintermediate of and movable in a single plane parallel to the sides ofsaid base, means for engaging said handle with the distal end of saidarm so that said handle is movable in relation to said arm, and a pinspanning said sides through any given aligned pair of said spaced apartholes in said opposing sides and through an opening in said armtransversely of said arm intermediate said sides for determining andholding said arm in a selected angular position with respect to saidswim starting block.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein saidmeans for attaching said base to said starting block comprises aplurality of straps attached to said base, each of said straps havingmeans for adjusting and securing the length thereof and a clamping meanson the free end thereof for engaging said starting block, whereby saidhandle and said means for attaching said handle are portable andremovably attachable to said swim starting block.
 4. The apparatus asrecited in claim 2 wherein said means for engaging said handle with thedistal end of said arm comprises an arm having a longitudinal passagetherethrough at the distal end thereof; a handle having two membersjoining at substantially right angles to each other, one of said membersbeing dimensioned to permit insertion thereof snugly in saidlongitudinal passage in a telescoping manner so that said handle ismovable in relation to said arm and the other of said members having agrip on either end thereof for said swimmer; and means for tightening tohold a selected position of said handle with respect to said arm; andsaid means for attaching said base to said starting block comprisesfastening means to couple said base to said starting block, whereby saidhandle and said means for attaching said handle are integrated with saidswim starting block as a unit.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 2wherein said means for engaging said handle with the distal end of saidarm comprises an arm having a longitudinal passage therethrough aT thedistal end thereof; a handle having two members joining at substantiallyright angles to each other, one of said members being dimensioned topermit insertion thereof snugly in said longitudinal passage in atelescoping manner so that said handle is movable in relation to saidarm and the other of said members having a grip on either end thereoffor said swimmer; and means for tightening to hold a selected positionof said handle with respect to said arm; and said means for attachingsaid base to said starting block comprises a plurality of strapsattached to said base, each of said straps having a means for adjustingand securing the length thereof and a clamping means on the free endthereof for engaging said starting block, whereby said handle and saidmeans for attaching said handle are portable and removably attachable tosaid swim starting block.